In 2026, Universal Orlando Resort vacations are a lot more epic. Universal Orlando's newest theme park, Universal Epic Universe, may have opened in 2025, but this year marks the start of another frogciting chapter in the resort's history (more on that below)! With so much to see, do, eat, drink and explore at Universal Orlando, 2026 is sure to be another thrilling year. (Looking at you, Halloween Horror Nights 35 ... ) Whether it's the magic of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the adventure of Marvel Super Hero Island, the danger of Dark Universe, the wonder of the Isle of Berk, the mischief of Minion Land or anything in between that's calling you to Universal Orlando Resort, here are the top things you need to keep in mind when planning a Universal Orlando trip in 2026.
Key Information to Know If You're Planning a Universal Orlando Trip in 2026
1. Epic Universe Is Now Included in Select Park-to-Park Tickets
The single most important piece of information you need to know about Universal Orlando vacations in 2026 is that when you purchase a 3-Day ticket or longer (Base or Park-to-Park), you can now visit Universal Epic Universe for multiple days. Not only that, but with 3-Day or longer Park-to-Park tickets, you can start your day at Universal Islands of Adventure and/or Universal Studios Florida and then head over to Epic Universe in the afternoon, or vice versa. For the first time ever, you'll now be able to visit all three areas of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter on the same day! How cool is that?!? (Get your wands ready!)
Check out our guide to 2026 Universal Orlando tickets for everything you need to know about these frogciting changes.
2. Volcano Bay Will Undergo a Seasonal Closure and Is Now Cashless
The next most important news about Universal Orlando in 2026 is that Universal Volcano Bay will undergo a prolonged seasonal closure. The water theme park will close its gates on Oct. 26, 2026, and is planning to reopen either on or before April 1, 2027. Make sure to get your obligatory rounds on TeAwa The Fearless River before then!
As of Feb. 25, 2026, the water theme park is fully cashless. Purchases inside the park can only be made via a major credit or debit card, Universal Pay or tap-to-pay. If you do bring cash, the park will have Cash-to-Card kiosks that allow guests to load their funds onto a prepaid card that can be used anywhere major cards are accepted.
3. Get Familiar with Express Passes
One of the biggest decisions you're going to have to make during your Universal Orlando vacation is whether or not you'll want to purchase Express Passes. As of right now, the only attractions that don't accept it are Pteranodon Flyers and Raptor Encounter in Islands of Adventure and Dragon Racer's Rally in Epic Universe. On July 1, 2026, that list will expand to include Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, which will no longer be taking part in the Express program.
There are three types of Universal Express Passes available for the theme parks: standard Universal Express Passes, which allow you to enjoy shorter lines at select attractions in a separate queue once per attraction, the Universal Express Unlimited Passes, which allow you to do this at select attractions as many times as you want and the brand new Universal Express Now pass which allows you to enjoy a shorter wait once at a participating attraction you've selected during a specific time window.
While rides at Epic Universe accept the standard Express Pass and are offered via Universal Express Now, the Express Unlimited pass is not valid for use at the new theme park. However, Express Unlimited is included with stays at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Hotel and Hard Rock Hotel for use at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure. Volcano Bay also has its own Express Pass, as well.
We love how much time this offering saves! You can also save some green by purchasing them through Undercover Tourist! Check out our guide to Universal Express Pass at Universal Orlando Resort and, specifically, at Universal Epic Universe, for everything you need to know about this awesome add-on and how to use it.
4. Mobile Order Is a Must-Do
One of our favorite (and one of the easiest) ways to save time at Universal Orlando Resort is by utilizing Mobile Order. This feature is available on the official Universal Orlando Resort app and helps get your food to you faster! Mobile Order is available at almost every quick-service location in all four parks and is very simple to use! Just fill out your order on the app. Then scan the QR code at your table, where a team member will bring your meal out to you or pick up your food at a window. Check out our guide to mobile ordering at Universal Orlando Resort for everything you need to know about this handy feature.
5. Dining Reservations Are Recommended
For full-service restaurants all across the resort, dining reservations are highly recommended. Depending on the restaurant, you can make them on either the Universal Orlando website (Universal CityWalk/theme park/hotel dining) or on Resy (hotel dining). Reservations normally open about six months out. As soon as you know where you want to dine, be sure to book a reservation. Some locations book up well in advance, such as Bar Helios at night when guests are looking to get amazing views of the Cosmos Fountain show at Epic Universe. During busier times of the year, such as the holiday season, dining reservations may fill up quickly, as well. Otherwise, it can be fairly easy to snag a reservation with shorter notice. Park admission is required for in-park dining. Here's our guide to dining reservations at Universal Orlando for all the latest info.
6. Check Out Special Events
Universal Orlando Resort doesn't just shine when it comes to its attractions and theming. Some of my favorite things about the resort are the multiple special events that take place throughout the year. From Florida's Biggest Party to the World's Premier Halloween Event and everything in between, there is no better time to visit the theme parks than when some swingin' celebration is hoppening.
Here are the event dates for 2026 and beyond:
- Volcano Bay Nights: Select nights May 3 to Aug. 21, 2026
- Summer Fun at Universal Orlando Resort: May to August 2026
- Fourth of July: July 4, 2026
- Back to Hogwarts: Aug. 1 to Sept. 1, 2026
- Passholder Appreciation Days: Aug. 15 to Sept. 30, 2026
- Halloween Horror Nights: Select nights from Aug. 28 to Nov. 1, 2026
- Dark Arts: Select Nights in the Fall
- Holidays at Universal Orlando: Daily from Nov. 14, 2026, to Jan. 3, 2027
- Rock the Universe: Florida's Biggest Christian Music Festival: Jan. 22-23, 2027
- Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval: Select Dates in Spring
7. Hotel Guests Get Early Park Admission
There are plenty of epic reasons to stay at a Universal Orlando Resort hotel, but quite possibly one of our favorites is that it gets you into the parks and on select attractions up to an hour early. Adding that extra hour onto your day can be instrumental in hitting some of your most anticipated must-dos. You can use this perk on your check-in and check-out days, but you do need to check in to your hotel first to receive your room key, so you can flash it to team members at the park.
Check out our guides on Early Park Admission at Universal Orlando Resort and, specifically, at Universal Epic Universe, for everything you need to know about this sweet perk and our top tips on how to utilize it.
8. Utilize Free Universal Orlando Transportation
Whether you're looking to get from your hotel to the theme parks, or jump between Epic Universe and Universal CityWalk, Universal Orlando provides free transportation that's quick and easy to use! Just hop aboard a water taxi or shuttle to get where you need to go. Check out our guide to transportation at Universal Orlando Resort for our full breakdown on all the convenient options.
9. Now, More Than Ever, You Need to Plan Your Time in the Parks
There's no substitute for being prepared! Going into your park days knowing what your priorities are can be a huge help in making the most out of your frogciting day. Need some help? Check out our Universal Orlando Resort park plans for suggested itineraries in order to hit all the highlights. We also created hopful Jump Start Guides for Universal Orlando Resort and, specifically, Universal Epic Universe with all our must-dos, top tips and best planning advice to make your park days easier.
10. Save BIG on Your Tickets and Hotel Stay
Right now, you can Buy 3 Days and Get 2 Days FREE at Universal Orlando Resort (including Epic Universe!)! Valid for visits through Dec. 16, 2026, excluding blockout dates.
Saving time and money go hand-in-hand for us frogs here at the pond! We can't finish off this list without reminding you that you can save some major green on your 2026 Universal Orlando Resort tickets, including those with Epic Universe access, when you purchase through Undercover Tourist — currently up to $135 per ticket when you buy a 3-Day Park-to-Park ticket with Volcano Bay and get two days free (valid for visits through Oct. 16, 2026)! Don't froget to bundle your Universal Orlando Resort hotel stay with your Universal Orlando Resort tickets to save even more! You can build your own Universal Orlando vacation package here.
If you already have tickets but need a hotel, Undercover Tourist offers flexible deposit options, so you can secure your Universal Orlando hotel stay for only a $200 deposit, and then pay the remaining balance 30 days prior to check-in.
Are you ready for your next Universal Orlando Resort trip? Have a tip you think other vacationers would benefit from knowing when planning a Universal Orlando Resort trip? Share it in the comments below!
Related: The Best Times to Visit Universal Orlando
Keep hopping!
